Quick answer: A motor vehicle accident lawyer represents people hurt in crashes involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, rideshare vehicles, and collisions between vehicles and cyclists or pedestrians. Consider hiring one if you were injured, missed work, or are being pressured by an insurance adjuster. Timing matters because evidence disappears quickly, California requires certain crash reports within 10 days, and most injury lawsuits must be filed within two years.
Who Needs a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer?
Drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians injured by a negligent driver can all benefit from legal help. It is especially valuable when injuries require ongoing treatment, fault is disputed, or more than one insurance policy may apply.
When Should You Contact One?
Contact a lawyer after you get medical care and before you give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer. Early involvement lets your attorney secure camera footage, vehicle data, and witness statements before they are lost.
What Counts as a Motor Vehicle Accident?
A motor vehicle accident is any collision in which at least one motorized vehicle causes injury or damage. Common claim types include:
- Car accidents, including rear-end, T-bone, and left-turn crashes
- Truck accidents involving commercial carriers
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rideshare and delivery vehicle crashes
- Vehicles striking pedestrians or cyclists
Each type raises different questions about fault, evidence, and insurance.
Why Does Insurance Coverage Matter So Much?
The amount of available insurance often limits what you can recover, even in a strong case. Since January 1, 2025, California's minimum liability coverage has been $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for multiple people in one accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
A hospital stay or surgery can exceed those limits quickly. An experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer looks for every possible source of coverage, including:
- The at-fault driver's liability policy
- An employer's policy, if the driver was working
- Your own uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage
- Umbrella or excess policies
What If You Were Hit While Riding a Bicycle?
Cyclists have strong legal protections in California. A person riding a bicycle on the roadway has the rights and responsibilities of a vehicle driver.
Under California's Three Feet for Safety Act, drivers may not pass a cyclist traveling in the same direction with less than three feet of clearance. When another lane is available, drivers must change lanes before passing if it is safe to do so. Violations can be strong evidence of driver negligence.
Anyone searching for a Los Angeles bicycle accident attorney should also know about issues specific to cyclists:
- Dooring: Drivers and passengers must check for cyclists before opening a door into traffic.
- Right-hook and left-cross crashes: Turning drivers often fail to see cyclists.
- Road defects: Potholes or poorly designed bike lanes may involve a public agency. Government claims generally must be filed within six months.
- Your own auto policy: Depending on the policy terms, your UM/UIM coverage may apply even though you were on a bike.
What Should You Do After a Crash?
- Call 911 and get medical care, even if you feel fine.
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, injuries, and road conditions.
- Collect names and contact details from witnesses.
- File an SR-1 report with the California DMV within 10 days if anyone was injured or property damage exceeded $1,000.
- Notify your own insurer, but get legal advice before speaking with the other driver's insurer.
- Keep damaged property, such as a bicycle, helmet, or car seat, as evidence.
- Save medical bills, receipts, and wage records.
Common Mistakes After a Motor Vehicle Accident
- Downplaying injuries at the scene. Statements like "I'm fine" often appear in adjusters' notes.
- Delaying treatment. Gaps in care give insurers room to dispute your injuries.
- Accepting a quick settlement. Early offers usually come before your full medical costs are known.
- Repairing or discarding damaged property too soon. It may be key evidence.
How Do You Evaluate a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer?
Ask these questions:
- How often do you handle cases like mine, whether it involved a car, truck, motorcycle, or bicycle?
- How will you identify every available insurance policy?
- Do you work with accident reconstruction and medical experts?
- Who will handle my case day to day?
- How are fees and case costs handled?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in California?
Generally two years for injuries and three years for property damage only. Claims against government entities require a formal claim within six months.
What if the at-fault driver has no insurance?
Your uninsured motorist coverage may pay for your injuries. Check your policy and report the claim promptly.
Can I recover if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Under California's comparative fault rule, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Not always. If you were injured, face disputed fault, or are receiving low offers, a consultation is worthwhile.
What compensation can I recover?
You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Should I see a doctor if I feel fine?
Yes. Some injuries, including concussions and back injuries, may not cause symptoms right away.
Do cyclists have to wear helmets in California?
California requires helmets for riders under 18. Not wearing one does not automatically bar an adult's claim, but insurers may raise it.
What if a hit-and-run driver struck me?
Report the crash to police right away and notify your insurer. Uninsured motorist coverage may apply, and policies often require prompt reporting.
What if a loved one died in the crash?
Certain family members may bring a claim. Learn more from our wrongful death lawyer page.
How much does a motor vehicle accident lawyer cost?
The Law Offices of Mark Murad offers free consultations and charges no fees until it wins your case.
Key Takeaway
The value of a motor vehicle accident claim depends on fast evidence gathering, consistent medical care, and finding every available insurance policy. Cyclists have added protections under California law, including the three-foot passing rule. Meet the 10-day SR-1 deadline, avoid early statements to the other insurer, and choose a lawyer who can explain how they will investigate your specific type of crash.
Talk With a Personal Injury Law Firm in Los Angeles
The Law Offices of Mark Murad handles auto, truck, motorcycle, and other motor vehicle accident claims. The firm serves clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, Arcadia, and Monrovia. Learn more about the firm's Los Angeles office.
Consultations are free, and you pay no fees unless the firm wins.
Los Angeles Office
445 S Figueroa Street, Suite 3100
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Phone: (213) 286-3398
You can also call (626) 388-1521, email mim@mmuradlaw.com, or request your free consultation online.